The new technology for the outdoorsman is nice, but make sure it's useful for your recipient.

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For years, I coveted one of those big honking watches with a digital barometer, thermometer and compass.

It seemed like such a cool and critical device. I could shout out what direction I faced with every twist and turn of the trail. I could tell climbing buddies exactly how cold we were. I could announce altitude with attitude.

In short, I could overload everyone with — sorry, but let's face it — pretty useless information. I could also lose the point of why we venture into adventure: To get away from digital details that don't matter.

Fortunately, no one bought me what has become a popular holiday gift. After all, the gizmos seem like the perfect splurge present. And for some they are.

I once bonded with a high-ranking diplomat over his giant orange watch. It turned out to be a present from his wife, and the diplomat turned out to be a runner.

Yes, I complimented him on his watch. But beyond announcing to the world that you are an outdoors stud, for me the watches are a cumbersome waste.

Now toss in GPS, distance, pace, tracking, and you've got a useful present.

The point is that buying outdoor gifts for often finicky enthusiasts is difficult. One person's dread is another's dream.

Here are some tested suggestions that should withstand the rigors of gift giving.

WATCH

What: Let's start with watches. The trick here is to figure out what features your honey wants. If they compete in races, they likely can use a heart rate monitor. If not, such a feature can be a costly waste.

If they are a cyclist, check to see if they have a bicycle-mounted computer that calculates a pile of statistics, including pedal cadence. If not, include cycling-specific features.

Standard features include stopwatch, date, alarm, countdown and … time! Non-standard features include the aforementioned compass, altimeter, thermometer.

My pick: A watch with a big readout that you can see while swimming or running, preferably one that includes basic GPS features.

Cost: $130-$450.

Where: REI, Big Five, Dick's, online.

STOVE

What: My newest toy is called a Jetboil and makes my old MSR WhisperLite seem like a complicated mess. Twist the cup and stove together, push the igniter and you're ready to boil — so long as you didn't forget the fuel canister.

Why: My other still-feels-new toy is an ultra-light sleeping bag. But not just any ultra-light, a premium down bag. Unfortunately, the more you pay, the less you carry.

Tip: The more reviews you read, the more confusing buying the right bag gets. Bottom line: Most reviews are personal and subjective.

What to do: After some online research, talk to an experienced sales person at a place such as REI. And look for sales. I spent months looking for a decent price for a Marmot Helium and wound up buying a Marmot Plasma mainly because it was on sale.

Why: A headlamp can save your life path-finding, allows you to cook without holding a flashlight in your mouth and is great for bedtime reading — indoors.

Tip: Unless you're planning on climbing vertical cliffs in the dark (something I don't recommend), a $35 lamp is great.

My pick: This changes as models change, and the best buy for the buck is Black Diamond's “Storm.” The price is $35-$50 and the waterproof features include a powerful beam, and red LEDs for night vision.

Find it: Wal-Mart has great prices; outdoor stores have great selection;
REI.com,
CampMor.com.

Cost: $15-$80

SPACE BLANKETS

What: A metallic blanket or bivy that reportedly reflects back 80 percent of your body heat.

Why: I no longer think of these as too little. I think of them as better than nothing, which is about what they weigh. Costing little money and taking up little space, these blankets can mean the difference between a really horrible night and, well, a simply awful night.

Where: Wal-Mart, sports stores, outdoor websites.

Cost: $4-$50.

Tip: Spend less than $10. If you're approaching $50 for what is essentially a disposable piece of equipment, upgrade to a bivy bag.

TREKKING POLES

What: Adjustable poles that you hold in each hand and use as dual walking sticks.

Why: Poles help with balance, assist in avoiding slips, supplement leg power when on flats or going uphill, make tough descents safer and save wear and tear on leg muscles, ligaments and tendons.

My pick: I used a $70 aluminum pair made by Leki for years. After a friend broke one, I upgraded to a pair of $105 (on sale) Black Diamond carbon poles with a flip-locking mechanism rather that a twist lock. The flip-lock is more secure.

Cost: $70-$200.

Where: Sports stores and many outdoor websites.

BEST BET

What: There is nothing better than an adventure with memories that last a lifetime so give the adventure — and pick a place you want to go as well.

My pick: Is your pick.

Suggestions: Rent a cabin in Big Bear for a winter weekend of skiing or a summer weekend of mountain biking or hiking. Arrange for a vacation at Mammoth in the Sierras. Consider climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or going on an African safari.

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